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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The choice of micro-anastomosis technique (end to end or end to side) in free flap surgeries is                      a critical step especially in single vessel extremity in which end to side is the preferable method. Which type of end to side (arteriotomy or arteriotomy) is another relevant point to be considered? AIM: This study aims to evaluate the reliability of end to side anastomosis using longitudinal slit arteriotomy. METHODS: (9) patients were managed with free tissue transfer using end to side anastomosis with longitudinal slit arteriotomy. (8) Patients with lower extremity defects and (1) patient with upper extremity defect. (6) Patients were managed with Latissimus dorsi flap and (3) patients were managed with ALT flap. In all cases end to side anastomosis is made using no. 11 blade to create a longitudinal slit in the recipient artery for micro-anastomosis RESULTS: All anastomosis remain patent and flaps survived without complications, neither re-anastomosis is required intra-operatively nor re-exploration is required post operatively CONCLUSION: longitudinal slit arteriotomy is easy to perform, reliable with high patency rate and can consistently be used in free tissue transfer with excellent results

DOI

10.52573/ipmj.2020.169735

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